Out of Tribulation

“No words can express how much the world owes to sorrow. Most of the Psalms were born in a wilderness. Most of the Epistles were written in a prison. The greatest thoughts of the greatest thinkers have all passed through fire. The greatest poets have ‘learned in suffering what they taught in song.’ In bonds Bunyan lived the allegory that he afterwards indited, and we may thank Bedford Jail for the ‘Pilgrim’s Progress.’ Take comfort, afflicted Christian! When God is about to make pre-eminent use of a man, He puts him in the fire.”
– George MacDonald (Leaves of Gold, pg. 17)

George MacDonald, to whom this quote is attributed, was a nineteenth century pastor and writer. It is not uncommon to find excerpts of his work in prayer books and similar resources. Under the topic of adversity, this was the longer of two quotes that particularly caught my attention. I selected this one largely because it quickly brought to my mind one of the most nonintuitive scriptures in the Bible. The passage is found in the first chapter of James, where after one introductory verse the writer says, “Consider it all joy…when you encounter various trials” (James 1:2). If I were assessing this statement according to human logic, I would conclude that the writer had lost his mind. No one in his or her right mind would be joyful when suffering comes along.

The problem here is that we are talking about God’s logic, not human logic. Human logic doesn’t rejoice in suffering. We see it as something to be avoided. God, however, sees it differently. For the child of God, suffering is not an unfortunate turn of circumstances, but rather a tool in the Master’s hand used to shape us into useful vessels. My mistake would be to assess James 1:2 according to human logic rather than according to God’s mysterious and sovereign will. What is God’s will for me? In general, to work in and through me for God’s glory. What gets me ready for that? According to the Bible, suffering is part of that preparatory recipe.

If we follow what James says in verses 3-4, process of God’s work becomes clear. We know that “the testing of our faith produces endurance.” This is necessary for faithful service. If the first apostles had not been seasoned in adversity, the Pentecost movement would have been short lived. James goes on to say that the ultimate result of endurance is that we become complete in our spiritual maturity, which interestingly connects us to yesterday’s post on Direction.

The shorter quote I had in mind to share is from the old Methodist preacher G. Campbell Morgan, who said, “No affliction would trouble a child of God, if he knew God’s reasons for sending it.” We may not always know with specificity God’s purpose for any of our trials. What we do know beyond any doubt is that God always works through the trials in order to grow us in Christ. In this, we may give glory to God.

See you along the Winding Path.